Warriors roll to victory

October 10, 2012

The American Spirit Academy soccer team closed the out regular season with a 4-1 victory Tuesday over visiting Wilson Christian on Senior Night at the Beaver Creek Soccer Fields.

With the win over the Wildcats, the Warriors improve to 3-8 on the season. American Spirit Academy won back-to-back games to end the regular season on a positive note.

Article Photos

American Spirit Academy’s Connie Buck battles for possession of the ball against Wilson Christian Tuesday at Beaver Creek. (Photo by Aaron Petchal)

"The kids played well," American Spirit Academy head coach Tim Connor said. "The kids have really come together at the end of the season at the right time before we go into the playoffs."

The Warriors are members of the South West Christian Athletic Conference.

"It was our final regular season game, and we had to win to get a better seed in the playoffs," Connor said. "The kids really stepped up today."

Offensively, Joe Langdon led the way for ASA with a pair of goals. Both of his goals came from long range, and both of his goals were unassisted.

Also for the Warriors, Josh Blakeley and Robert Buck each contributed a goal and an assist to help the ASA cause.

Goalie Will Martin made 13 saves.

American Spirit Academy recorded a 5-1 victory Monday at Champion.

"The last couple of games the difference has been that the kids have really come together as a team," Connor said. "The kids have overcome a lot of adversity this year. They played really hard the whole game."

At halftime, American Spirit Academy honored its six seniors. The seniors are Ashley Shaw, Matt Mooney, Kori Geary, Connie Buck, Langdon and Martin.

The six seniors have meant a lot to the ASA program.

"The seniors have meant a lot, especially Will Martin in goal," Connor said. "Will is an excellent goalie. I think he could play for any team around here. He is a really good goalie.

"Connie Buck is not a flashy player at all. She is a real bulldog in there. She get sin there and works hard to control the ball and to take it off the other team. She is a real-hard worker.

"Joe Langdon has a huge leg. Both of his goals today came from almost midfield. Both of his goals came from along way out. They were long goals. They were nice goals. He gives us a deep threat.

"Kori and Ashley have played really-good defense this year. They will be sorely missed next year. They both have stepped up and played midfield as well. They are doing great at that too.

"Matt is a newcomer this year. He has learned a whole lot. His speed is unbelievable. He is a super-fast player. He has learned a lot on offense and defense. He is a key player mostly because of his speed."

American Spirit Academy's next game will be a Division II Semifinal set for 5p.m. Tuesday at home. The winner of the that game will play for the championship at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Geneva College.

"I want to thank all of the parents for all of their help this year," Connor said. "We don't have a bus, so we have to travel in cars. I just want to thank the parents for all of their help with everything this year."